SYPHILIS

Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by a type of bacteria called T

reponema pallidum. It can be transmitted from person to person through physical
contact during vaginal, anal or oral sex.
What are the symptoms of syphilis? Usually, symptoms go 1-12 weeks after exposur
e to syphilis. Symptoms that may come up soon: (1-12 weeks after exposure). • Le
sion on the skin called a chancre (shank-or). There may be more than one. Usuall
y painless. They can go over the penis, scrotum, vaginal lips, anus, or mouth. P
erhaps infected women are not going to realize that they have symptoms because t
he sores are inside the vagina. Even without treatment these sores will disappea
r after several weeks - but still will be infected. • more lymph glands near the
sore may be swollen, but no pain. Symptoms that may come out later (4-12 weeks
after exposure) • Symptoms of flu with sore throat, headache, and fiber. • skin
rashes all over his body in the mouth, on the palms and soles of the feet (not i
tchy). • You can aber skin growths such as warts on the mouth or genital area. •
You can start to notice hair loss. • nervous system symptoms: neck pain, nausea
, vomiting, convulsions, loss of hearing or speech. Even without treatment these
symptoms will disappear after several weeks - but still will be infecatado. As
if I have syphilis? • • • • If you have a sore on your genitals, go to make an S
TD. Tests are available at City Clinic to diagnose wounds to see if they are of
syphilis. You can do a blood test for syphilis. Might have syphilis without know
ing it. Any time you have an STD test sure to request a blood test for syphilis
as well.
It is dangerous syphilis? If! Without treatment, syphilis can cause brain damage
, heart disease and other health problems with long-term consequences. A pregnan
t woman can pass syphilis to her baby, which cause permanent damage. As cure syp
hilis? • • Injections of penicillin cured syphilis. Other medicines may be used
if you are allergic to penicillin. Sometimes we find a positive test for syphili
s in a person who is not sexually active. It may be that years ago was exposed t
o the infection ". We recommend treatment because some
People with syphilis for a long time without treatment can be oriented brain dam
age, heart and nervous system. In the prolonged phase of syphilis a person conti
aja us to their sexual partners. I can do if I have syphilis? • • • Your partner
(s) must be examined and treated. If left untreated, can reinfectarte or infect
others. Your blood test for syphilis can premanecer positive (not normal) even
after treatment. When you finish your treatment will give you a card that shows
you the appropriate treatment was given to cure syphilis. Encuanto finish your t
reatment, you will not be contagion. You will need a new blood test one week aft
er completing your treatment and regularment after the first year of your diagno
sis and treatment.
If you are infected with syphilis and not know if you infect a sexual partner ha
s HIV, you should worry about your risk of contracting HIV. Talk to your doctor.
All STDs are transmitted by having sex without protecion. HIV is also an STD. P
rotejete - use condoms (male or female). As I can avoid syphilis? • • Plan! Prot
ejete! If you are thinking about having sex with a new partner: • Talk about STD
s • Talk about your desire to protejerte, sex with condoms (male or female) • Su
bmit an STD for two before having sex.
I can hope when I am diagnosed with syphilis? A researcher at the Health Departm
ent will contact you. They will work with your doctor, will help you understand
your infection "and provide you with information to protect your health in the f
uture.
Information for Gay Men: http://www.healthypenis2003.org/ http://inspot.org/ htt
p://www.gmhc.org/
STD Information: http://www.noah-health.org/ http://www.ashastd.org/ http://www.
cdc.gov/std/
ALERT: HIV is also an STD! STDs are spread through having
protecion sex. When you are infected with an STD, HIV may also be contrayiendo.
Protect yourself - use condoms (male or female)!
For STD testing or treatment of a visit to your doctor, local clinic, or see: Ci
ty Clinic 356 Seventh Street (between Folsom and Harrison) San Francisco, CA 941
03 (415) 487-5500 http://www.dph.sf. ca.us / sfcityclinic /
Developed by San Francisco City Clinic (415) 487-5500 04.12 revised